Robaina's

Robaina's plantation

Saturday, 9 April 2016

La Iglesia del Espíritu Santo (Havana)

This church, built in 1638, is considered the oldest not just in Havana but in all of Cuba. It was built with Afro-Cuban slave labor that was brought to the island but who later regained their freedom. The tomb of the famous Bishop Jerome Valdes sits on display by the left side of the altar with more buried in the catacombs. You can tip a guide a couple of pesos to take you down to the catacombs for a tour. It's not a flashy church, appearing plain looking both inside and out, but it has great historical value and that's where the attraction lies. The church also contains a number of noteworthy paintings depicting the life and death of Christ. The bell tower is a three-story structure by the left side of the church and is one of the oldest and tallest towers in Old Havana.
It continues to function as Catholic Church and although I may have been the only tourist there when I visited, it is considered a historical monument. Open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 9am to 1pm. Admission is free.